High-tech wheelchair causes Disney ruckus

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2009/11/high-tech-wheelchair-causes-disney-ruckus/

 

[Uncleromulus]

Interesting. It dosen't really remind me of a Segway (which clearly ought to be banned).
I guess the "issue" would be if it makes any more difference in the park than a regular electronic chair.

 

[bgohre]

I found this line very interesting:

“I’m not going down on four wheels, no way,” Rosner said. “They’re trying to push me down and I’ve already been there.”

They're trying to keep you down? WHAT?

This dude clearly has a complex and thinks the whole world is out to get him. Note: You are on Disney property, if you don't like their rules, go somewhere else. They are not saying you cannot come to the park, they are saying you need to be on all four wheels.

I did notice that in the picture for the article, he had not problem being on four wheels. Damn newspaper people trying to keep the man down.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest people go over to this thread in the disABILITIES Forum where this is dicussed to some length. And in the interest of public service, I will state that threre are at least four people in that thread who are full-time wheelchair or power chair users. There you will see some unheated comments.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

On December 11 Disney announced the folowing policy:

Please review these guidelines regarding wheeled mobility devices that our Guests with disabilities are welcome to use while visiting our parks and resorts.

* All wheeled mobility devices must have 3 or 4 wheels and maintain stability and balance when unoccupied.
* The INDEPENDENCE iBOT mobility device is permitted for use throughout our parks and resort areas and can be operated in a two-wheel balance mode, but must be in four-wheel mode to board and use attraction ride vehicles and transportation vehicles.
* Devices must be single-rider. Devices must be used by the person with the disability and are not to be used to carry passengers.
* Devices may not exceed 36" in width. This dimension is in keeping with the size of our entrance gates.
* Devices must not be converted recreational devices. For example, pull wagons or coolers on wheels are not permitted.
* Devices are to be operated while seated. Devices that require the user to stand must be directed to your area Leader or Duty Manager for additional actions.

In addition, it also talks specifically about the iBOT:

• According to its manufacturer, the INDEPENDENCE iBOT is a FDA approved indoor/outdoor power mobility device that can rise to eye level, drive over uneven surfaces, climb curbs, and go up or down stairs.
• It is individually configured for its user and can be operated in standard, four-wheel mode or in a two-wheel balance mode.
• Also making it different than other two-wheel or stand-up devices, the unique operating and balancing systems of the iBOT™ allow the device to default to a four-wheel mode when it detects an error.
• Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, we require guests to be in four-wheel mode to board and use attraction ride vehicles and transportation vehicles.
• We rely upon our guests to use their best judgment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on when to travel in the two-wheel balance mode when not on transportation or attraction vehicles.

 

[PBB]

Chesire,

Thanks for the clarification. What is a shame is Disney took it out on this man and his family. Someone in management should have been able to resolve this matter quickly. I have to admit I don't understand how the scooters are allowed but a wheelchair like his is under scrutiny.

A friend of the family became a paraplegic in 1974. Spending 2 weeks with her at a rehab facility and going through the classes on how to get over a curb, get out of a car, how to get through a door that is not as wide as your chair. You have a better understanding of the laws. I was lucky I got to get out of the chair after the class was over. She was not. We no longer put our disabled citizens in the worse seat at a theater because the developer couldn't build a ramp.